NEW CASTLE —
I'm like a lot of you guys out there — an old, washed-up bass guitar player.
In the early 1970s I was on stage three nights a week, playing at Borelli's Lounge in New Waterford, Ohio.
In 1974 I got married and hung up the bass.
I don't think a musician’s desire to play ever leaves. Sitting in the pew at First Baptist Church and listening to the band, I started to get the itch.
It also occurred to me that 38 years had passed. Who has a comeback at age 67? I would be the oldest person on stage.
After much practice, I volunteered to be a substitute in case Norm, the real bass player, couldn't make it.
I got the call to play last Sunday.
I learned my part, and did OK, but not perfect. There were a few moments of bass guitar silence. I had to stop to see if I was playing the same song as the rest of the band.
For all the practicing I did, it did not prepare me for the moment when the song service was over and the musicians leave the stage.
On this particular Sunday, the band and worship team were to leave the platform during the prayer that was just before the sermon.
I did fine leaving the first service. The second service I had some problems. That's when you take all your stuff with you when you exit.
I stood up, picked up my bass, glasses, earphone, and guitar chord, but I couldn't move.
It seems the guitar chord had wrapped around my body. I looked like a mummy.
All 11 others had gone off the platform, and I was left all alone, frantic.
I wasn't sure how long Pastor Scott's prayer was going to be. I didn't want everyone to say ‘Amen,’ look up and see trying to untangle myself. There would be snickers.
I laid everything down and tried to crawl out of my cord. I was hoping no one was peeking during prayer, like I do.
After getting free, I hurriedly left the platform, with my bass, just before the Amen.
In my haste, I discovered I had left my earphone, guitar cord, music, and the big thing — my glasses — on the platform.
I had to drive home with my reading glasses on.
As with each Sunday service, I had learned a big lesson.
I definitely need a roadie.
Gary Church
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About Gary Church: Gary is a columnist and contributing writer for The News. He’ll share his thoughts on this blog each Tuesday and Friday.
Discussion
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